As In Stavanger, Carlsen Meets Topalov in First Round of St Louis. PAIRINGS

The second stage of the Grand Chess Tour runs from 24 August to 3 September in St Louis. As a wild card, the organisers have decided to invite the highest-rated player who is not already playing. That is Wesley So. This was announced by Chess24 with a link to the director of the St Louis chess club, Tony Rich. 

Let us remind you that the Stavanger tournament won by Veselin Topalov was the first stage of Grand Chess Tour series. As well as in the FIDE Grand Prix, the participants get overall points according to their places in each of the tournaments. The current standings are as follows:

Shamkir: Carlsen will play five Blacks, starting with Anand

Bulgarian GM Veselin Topalov won the Grand Prix Series with 410 points. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, who became the winner of the 5th stage of the Grand Prix which was held in Beijing, is yet second (390 points), however, Alexander Grischuk and Fabiano Caruana have theoretical chances to surpass him. In order to do so they both need to take clear first at the last stage which will take place from September 18th to October 2nd.   

"Better than FIDE"; all top players playing